Morse prequel to air next year

Shaun Evans takes over as Morse, the role made famous by John Thaw. Pictures: ITVITV has confirmed a new “one-off” drama exploring the early years of Inspector Morse.

The drama, due to film in Oxford this autumn and set to air early next year, will see Shaun Evans take on the part immortalised by John Thaw in ITV’s adaptation of Colin Dexter’s novels.

Endeavour is written Morse writer and Lewis creator Russell Lewis and will give viewers an insight into the origins of the detective, his love of crosswords, classical music, real ale and classic cars.

Set in 1965, the story follows the hunt for a missing schoolgirl which draws Detective Constable Endeavour Morse back to Oxford – the place which will ultimately shape and define his destiny.

Deep in a full-blown murder investigation and led by Detective Inspector Fred Thursday, Endeavour finds himself side-lined, discredited and at a dead end. Facing down the demons of his past, Endeavour begins his own quest in pursuit of justice, risking all in the hunt for a truth that will haunt him for the rest of his days.

ITV Drama Laura Mackie said: “Inspector Morse was a television institution and nearly 14 million people tuned in to watch the final episode in 2000 when Colin Dexter’s eponymous hero died from a heart attack.

“Endeavour is a beautifully written story that not only provides many nods to Morse’s unique character traits for fans but re-unites many of the team behind the original series.”

Evans said he was “very excited” to land the part and hoped to “compliment what’s come before, by telling a great story, and telling it well.”

The drama will mark the 25th anniversary of the very first episode of Inspector Morse which aired in 1987.

ITV recently commissioned a sixth series of More spin-off Lewis which stars Kevin Whately as Morse’s former sidekick Robbie Lewis and Laurence Fox as his partner DS James Hathaway.